Palladyne AI completes first phase of robotic aircraft-component remediation project
The Air Force project moves into further integration and validation of adaptive surface preparation for aircraft components.
Palladyne AI announced completion of Phase I of its US Air Force robotics project on 8 October 2024. The work at Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Georgia forms part of a contemplated four-year, $13.8 million effort supported through AFWERX’s STRATFI programme. The announcement came during the project’s second year.
Phase II will continue integration and validation of Palladyne IQ for aircraft-component remediation, including media blasting. The software detects and maps complex parts to help industrial robots maintain the distance and tool angle required for surface preparation across different shapes and sizes.
A Warner Robins representative said the software had already demonstrated autonomous sanding and media blasting on contoured surfaces. The milestone concerns completed development work and continued validation; the four-year programme value is separate from revenue earned during Phase I. Palladyne’s control software operates on robotic hardware to adapt manipulation to changing workpieces.